Psalm 84

Contemporary English Version

(For the music leader.^[a] A psalm by the clan of Korah.)

The Joy of Worship

¹Lord God All-Powerful,
    your temple is so lovely!
²Deep in my heart I long
    for your temple,
and with all that I am
    I sing joyful songs to you.

³Lord God All-Powerful,
    my King and my God,
sparrows find a home
    near your altars;
swallows build nests there
    to raise their young.

⁴You bless everyone
who lives in your house,
    and they sing your praises.
⁵You bless all who depend
    on you for their strength
and all who deeply desire
    to visit your temple.
⁶When they reach Dry Valley,^[b]
    springs start flowing,
and the autumn rain fills it
    with pools of water.^[c]
⁷Your people grow stronger,
and you, the God of gods,
    will be seen in Zion.

⁸Lord God All-Powerful,
the God of Jacob,
    please answer my prayer!
⁹You are the shield
    that protects your people,
and I am your chosen one.
    Won't you smile on me?

¹⁰One day in your temple
is better than a thousand
    anywhere else.
I would rather serve
    in your house,
than live in the homes
    of the wicked.

¹¹Our Lord and our God,
you are like the sun
    and also like a shield.
You treat us with kindness
    and with honor,
never denying any good thing
    to those who live right.